We’re Hiring: Plant Ecologist

Posted on by birch

JOB OPPORTUNITY: PLANT ECOLOGIST

INTRODUCTION & COMPANY OVERVIEW

Birch Ecology is an ecology and natural resources consulting firm based in Longmont, Colorado. Our team includes in-house experts in Plant Ecology, Wetlands, Restoration Ecology, Environmental Permitting, and Ecological Landscape Design.  We are a small company that partners with multidisciplinary teams of engineers, soil scientists, hydrologists, wildlife biologists, geologists, landscape architects, planners and construction experts. This collaborative approach allows us to tackle a diversity of project types across our state.

Birch Ecology has a team-focused approach, and we place a high value on career development and professional growth.  We have a diversity of interesting and challenging projects with a growing client base.  We are looking for talented plant ecologists with a strong foundation in Colorado’s ecology and plant identification, who value the opportunity to work at a small company with an energetic start-up atmosphere.

 

POSITION OVERVIEW

Birch Ecology is seeking a Plant Ecologist to join our growing team! This position will support our consulting group on a wide range of ecological assessment, restoration, and permitting projects in some of the most beautiful parts of Colorado.   We take pride in the quality of our work and the relationships we build with our long-term clients.  Our ideal candidate would have a blend of scientific knowledge, technical writing, creativity, people skills, and business savvy which would allow them to professionally represent Birch to our clients, associates, and agency personnel. We foster a supportive, learning environment and can train the right candidate who has a strong foundation of skills and traits.

We are seeking one or more entry- to mid-level ecologists, but we also welcome applications from more experienced candidates to help us find the best fit for our team. In February, we are relocating into a new office space in the Prospect area of Longmont.  We will continue to offer hybrid work options but will primarily be based out of the office during the winter months.  During the field season, much of our work is outdoors completing surveys and ecological restoration projects. 

 

 

REQUIREMENTS

  • Bachelor’s degree in botany, biology, ecology, environmental science, natural resources, or related field; Master’s degree preferred
  • Knowledge of plant taxonomy, characteristics of major plant families, and terminology needed to key out plants with a dichotomous key
  • Familiarity with Colorado’s ecosystems including its native flora and fauna
  • Ability to conduct vegetation surveys including wetland delineations, rare plant surveys, botanical inventories, and other ecological inventories
  • Knowledge of botanical field survey methods and experience using dichotomous keys for plant identification
  • Physical ability and willingness to perform a wide range of physical and manual tasks in adverse weather and field conditions
  • Excellent technical writing skills with proficiency in report preparation, proposals, and professional correspondences
  • Positive attitude with a growth mindset; intellectually curious and willing to learn
  • Able to work independently or as a team on a variety of indoor and outdoor tasks
  • Capable of working concurrently on multiple projects
  • Valid Colorado driver’s license

 

DESIRED SKILLS AND QUALITIES

  • Skillful at identifying and delineating wetlands, streams, and riparian habitats
  • Experienced with restoration ecology and integrated weed management techniques
  • Ability to research, comprehend, and communicate federal, state, and local regulations
  • Experience leading and performing vegetation surveys with GPS / GIS technology
  • Strong communication skills including the ability to convey complex information to clients, stakeholders, and agencies
  • Adept at technical writing, including reports, proposals, professional correspondences, revegetation plans, vegetation assessments, and environmental impact analyses
  • Knowledge of Section 404 Permitting, NEPA compliance, ESA Compliance, and Environmental Impact Assessment
  • Experience with ArcGIS and AutoCAD; proficiency with mapping

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

This is a full-time salaried position with two weeks paid vacation, paid holidays, and a SEP retirement plan.  Base compensation begins at $60,000-$70,000 for well-qualified candidates, and is negotiable based on experience.  In addition, we offer performance bonuses; sponsor continuing education coursework; pay for attendance at professional meetings; and we pay for professional memberships for our employees (for example Society of Wetland Scientists, Colorado Native Plant Society, Colorado Riparian Association, Society for Ecological Restoration, etc).

 APPLY

Email resumes and inquiries to mail@birchecology.com.  Additional information is available on our website.

 DIVERSITY STATEMENT

Birch Ecology provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information, age, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law.